VW Golf R32 | PH Private Area
Maybe not the greatest hot hatch ever - but don't forget about that engine...
While hot hatch tradition dictates a four-cylinder engine up front, those that haven’t conformed to type do make for quite a collection. Think about them: GR Yaris, the five-cylinder era of Focus ST and RS, various BMW 1 Series, the Alfa 147 GTA, the Renault Clio V6… It’s impossible, really, to imagine those cars boasting quite the same appeal with a different engine layout. Or location.
Same goes for the Golf R32. Oh sure, back in the day a GTI was damn near as fast and less ponderous to drive - and the later Rs were more critically acclaimed - but it’s easier than ever to overlook flaws in 2023 when presented with a humdinger of a combustion engine. The VR6 was certainly that, even if it didn’t go by that name later in the 2000s. Having made for a corking Corrado in the 1990s, the narrow-angle V6 was really put to work in the 21st century. The 3.2-litre derivative (having first been a 2.8, or 2.9 in the Corrado) was actually first introduced in the Beetle RSi of 2001.
From there it found a home in pretty much any engine bay it would fit, including both the Audi TT and A3, the VW Eos convertible and the Porsche Cayenne. The VR6 eventually grew to 3.6-litres - think Passat R36 - and actually went in the second-gen Cayenne as the entry-level petrol as well. Wikipedia says that there are Chinese VWs still available with a new turbo VR6, but that’s a tangent for another day.
Golfs have always been the best-known and best-loved recipients of a VR6, the original Mk3 pretty much creating the template for the luxury hot hatch and the Mk4 spawning the original R32 that’s so beloved by the VW community. This isn’t either of those cars, however, but rather a Mk5 R32, the final Golf offered in the UK with the VR6. Any engine bigger than 2.0 litres, in fact. Back in the day under the harsh light of a road test, the big engine was exposed for adding a lot more weight and using a lot more fuel, but in 2023 nobody needs the appeal of a chunky V6 in a smallish car explained to them. Nowadays it’ll be used less regularly, surely, making the fuel cost less painful (if the VED no less onerous), and a 15-year-old car is likely to be driven with a bit less gusto than a new one. The additional agility of a GTI feels less important than it might once have. However useful that (and the tuneable turbo) can make them for track car projects…
As a three-door, red, manual-gearbox example, this R32 must be rarer than most. DSG was incredibly popular for this R32, back when the dual-clutch tech was redefining expectations of two pedals and the V6 model was the prestigious flagship - a good auto was a smart fit. For better access now to that engine, however - and less scary repair bills - the manual looks very desirable. As does the spec, Tornado Red still gleaming after 130,000 miles and black leather interior smart as ever. New Golf owners look away from this dash and dials, too, as they’re both brilliant.
Affection for the V6 engined Golfs has been growing over recent years, which their relative rarity will have helped. The Mk4s remain the most desirable, with more than £20k being asked for the best ones and a few Japanese imports around to sate the demand. Thanks to the mileage, this is one of the most affordable R32s out there, at £7,450, which doesn’t seem much to pay for that engine and an unconventionally appealing spec. We’ve all seen enough silver and blue DSG R32s by now. And there’s a drive home from Inverness for really getting to know that VR6…
SPECIFICATION | VW GOLF R32 (Mk5)
Engine: 3,189cc V6
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 4-wheel drive
Power (hp): 250@6,300rpm
Torque (lb ft): 236@2,800rpm
0-62mph: 6.5 sec
Top speed: 155mph
Weight: 1,510kg
MPG: 26 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 257g/km
Price new: £23,745 (2006)
Yours for: £7,450
One thing I would pick up on in the article is the interior. Does it look that great? It looks to me like the seller has tried to avoid taking pictures of the driver's seat. In the one picture you can see it, it looks a bit baggy, which you'd expect given the mileage.
The VR6 makes a great noise too especially with an aftermarket exhaust.
Downside these days is the VED on later cars. For me, it’s just not fast enough to justify such a high amount. In fact, I’m not sure it ever has been which is why I ended up with my first 330i.
Since then the only car that has come close is a pre-facelift RS3 in terms of noise and feel.
I’ve looked at coming back to one several times, though it makes sense as an occasional car these days I feel.
Preference over GTI will be personal, but there are many people here who’ve owned both and “get” the benefits of the R32.
I’m actively looking at all sorts of hot hatches in that era and for the money there’s some crackers available! Great era IMO.
In the end the lack of rear space and small boot meant it had to go when kids started arriving.
SORN it over the winter and the tax becomes less of an issue. Fun to take out for a spin and you could turn up to any car meeting and people will be interested. Practical if your family or mates want to come along, but not too big.
This particular car looks good - basically standard, full VW s/h, two keys and manuals all there. Greats photos and the owner comes across well. The baggy drivers seat could be sorted for little effort and money. The mileage is absolutely not an issue as it gets older - buy on history and condition.
I actually think it’s a bit of a bargain for what you are getting.
Looking at the price of this, I let mine go for too cheap!
l was running round in a mk3 purple highline 2.8 at the time (Still have one too) my friend got a mk4 R32 and the handling and power seemed a big jump on from the mk3 VR6 from the drivers seat, but after a few side by sides and standing starts over the weeks, it became clear the standing start was its party piece because 40 to 105mph the mk4 R32 and the old 2.8 were inseparable through 2nd and 3rd gear in performance, the change into 4th saw the mk4 pull away easily but 2nd and 3rd which is town and duel carriageway territory wasn't a night and day difference and the same went for the mk5 when my friend got one of those, but digging through the little difference is clear because the mk3 weighs almost 300kg less and that's where the mk4 and mk5 R32s problem lies but still great great cars but don't expect a rocket ship or fabulous handling gti, treat them more as a fast cruiser and best driven at 8/10 for an enjoyable drive, as the handling characteristics even equipped with 4wd is still nose heavy when pushed but the noise and feel make it something special and they do feel special to me.
I actually own one, after owning 2 Golf R estates, retiring and then wanting something to poot around in on the weekends that was a bit different.
It's very similar to this. 3 door MK5 in cardinal red and I love it. I agree there are more dynamic cars and more agile cars out there but the noise does it for me everytime. I was also surprised at how well it hung on, especially if you keep decent tyres on it!
Include sat-nav, leather, climate and a 6 stack CD player in the central armrest, (I kid you not), and it's a really good all-rounder as well.
Bad bits? MPG obviously. On a run I can get 30, (just about). And tax, £600 a year. I also think these are a reasonable investment if you get a good one. Mine's a 57 plate, unmarked with 54k on the clock.
The MK4 is really rare. However, I've not seen many Mk5's knocking about so I'm sticking with it
l was running round in a mk3 purple highline 2.8 at the time (Still have one too) my friend got a mk4 R32 and the handling and power seemed a big jump on from the mk3 VR6 from the drivers seat, but after a few side by sides and standing starts over the weeks, it became clear the standing start was its party piece because 40 to 105mph the mk4 R32 and the old 2.8 were inseparable through 2nd and 3rd gear in performance, the change into 4th saw the mk4 pull away easily but 2nd and 3rd which is town and duel carriageway territory wasn't a night and day difference and the same went for the mk5 when my friend got one of those, but digging through the little difference is clear because the mk3 weighs almost 300kg less and that's where the mk4 and mk5 R32s problem lies but still great great cars but don't expect a rocket ship or fabulous handling gti, treat them more as a fast cruiser and best driven at 8/10 for an enjoyable drive, as the handling characteristics even equipped with 4wd is still nose heavy when pushed but the noise and feel make it something special and they do feel special to me.
Seriously though interesting points you make. Cars are of course faster now than they were. What's the choices available for supercharging the R32? That surely would be a potential weapon.
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